Belvedere

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Belvedere

Meaning "beautiful sight" in Italian, much of Belvedere boasts panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island, Alcatraz, Mount Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the world famous San Francisco skyline. Some of the most palatial real estate on the globe is found here in

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Meaning "beautiful sight" in Italian, much of Belvedere boasts panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island, Alcatraz, Mount Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the world famous San Francisco skyline. Some of the most palatial real estate on the globe is found here in this exclusive enclave, and it is an engaging community with both history and character.

Belvedere, like its neighboring communities Tiburon and Sausalito, was a fishing village, and today is an epicenter for the recreational sailing community. It is adjacent to two famous private yacht clubs; The San Francisco Yacht Club, located in Belvedere Cove, and the Corinthian Yacht Club, situated on Corinthian Island. The two tennis and swim clubs are The Belvedere Tennis Club and the Tiburon Peninsula Club. It has a very active and involved population of just over 2,000 people that are lucky enough to enjoy the considerable biodiversity, Mediterranean climate, unparalleled schools, and truly remarkable location.

The 2012 Marin Designers Showcase was held at our $39 million waterfront listing located in Belvedere. Attendees were able to experience the overwhelming sights that living on a Bay Area island affords. With sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a true engineering wonder, to the harmonious union with nature, Belvedere is truly the jewel of the world. Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty continues to be the premier firm in the Belvedere area. Look no further than to one of our highly experienced agents at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty to find you the perfect home in one of the most sought after locations in America.

Belvedere History

The Coast Miwok Native Americans first inhabited Belvedere and remained there, undisturbed, for thousands of years. It wasn't until 1834 that Mexico granted a land grant to an Irishman by the name of John Reed. It was the first land grant in Marin County. This was the beginning of modern development of what we know as Belvedere. The Belvedere Land Company was formed in 1888 and was said to consist of men of "wealth and enterprise." The company developed the land for profit, subdivided the property, constructed houses, and built roads. In 1896, the town of Belvedere was incorporated by a vote of 57 residents. Many of the buildings servicing Belvedere at that time still exist today. These historical structures are important cultural resources that not only increase real estate value, but define the community.

Location, Climate, and Weather in Belvedere

The location and climate are two aspects that add to Belvedere's appeal. It is located on the Tiburon Peninsula, about 4 miles north of San Francisco, and consists of two "islands" with the Belvedere Lagoon between them. Belvedere Island is the larger of the two islands and Corinthian Island is shared with Tiburon. Belvedere is comprised of 2.4 square miles, with about 20% of the land under water. The lagoon was developed in the 1950's and 1960's, and offers gorgeous waterfront properties with access to swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. The lush and hilly terrain affords the world renowned views.

The weather in Belvedere is extraordinary. The moderate climate is influenced by the proximity to the bay and coast. Coastal breezes keep the air fresh and clear. It is mostly sunny 260 days a year. The average temperatures are moderate and range from a low of 43 degrees in the winter to a high of 75 degrees during the summer. Belvedere is the quintessential California destination.

Belvedere Real Estate

Many of the homes in Belvedere today are architectural gems; they are well built custom homes, from a wide range of periods, either designed by famous architects or embodying a specific architectural style popular over the past century. They possess the elegance and intricacy of the past, yet are tastefully updated to reflect today's lifestyles. Architecture styles on the island include Queen Anne, Bay Tradition, Shingle, Greek Revival, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman and Tudor. Some of the famous architects of the past that have designed homes or other structures in Belvedere include Julia Morgan, Willis Polk, Clarence Ward, George Rockrise, Charles Callister, Joseph Eichler, the architectural firms of Campbell and Wong and Jones and Emmons, as well as numerous structures by Albert Farr. Buildable land is scarce in Belvedere, so the prices remain at the highest levels in Marin County.

The average price per square foot in Belvedere ranks as one of the highest of all of the 15 communities in Marin at the end of 2011, averaging $891 a square foot. The Marin average was $451 a square foot. In the past year of 2011, single-family home prices in Belvedere ranged from $880,000 to a high of $5,275,000, with listings up to $46 million. The average sale price in 2011 was $2,576,424, just under the average sale price for Ross and this excludes a few homes sold for lot value. 33 homes sold in Belvedere in 2011. Real Estate in Belvedere continues to be highly sought after.

Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty consistently represents the highest priced homes in Belvedere and in Marin County. Whether you want a well-appointed, hillside home with dazzling views, or a luxurious waterside retreat with a private dock on the Belvedere lagoon, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty will exceed your expectations.

Belvedere Schools

Belvedere is in the Reed Union School District. The district is comprised of three schools: Reed Elementary (grades kindergarten-2); Bel Aire Elementary (grades 3-5); and Del Mar (grades 6-8). All of them have been recognized as "California Distinguished Schools". There is also St. Hilary School, a Catholic primary school for children grades kindergarten-8 located in the district. Reed Union School District continues to be considered one of the best school districts in the nation. Reed School District schools rate well into the 900s according to the California Department of Education Academic Performance Index (API) - a standard of excellence.

The Reed Union School District schools share the services of a psychologist, a speech and language therapist, an Information Services Coordinator and assistant, part-time aides for limited English-speaking students, a part time school nurse, and a district health specialist. Instructional aides provide assistance in the elementary classrooms at Reed and Bel Aire Schools. Each school is assigned a special education resource specialist, art, music, and physical education teachers, as well as a technology facilitator. Bel Aire and Reed Schools have reading specialists to oversee intervention literacy programs and work collaboratively with the resource teachers in the Learning Center to provide services for all students in need. Spanish is taught in grades 3-8. Parent-paid school bus transportation is available to and from all three sites.

After-school programs are available through the recreation departments in Belvedere/Tiburon and Corte Madera and through Tiburon Peninsula's Soccer League, Softball League, and Little League. Childcare is available through the Belvedere-Tiburon Child Care Center, located on both the Reed and Bel Aire School campuses.

Parents participate in Parent Teacher Association (PTA) sponsored activities and assist in the classrooms, libraries, and other school site locations. They also serve on the School Site Councils and the Board of Trustees. Parents, community members, and local businesses support schools through a parcel tax that provides for small class size and two bond measures to improve facilities. The parent-led Reed Schools Foundation funds Spanish, technology, art, music, physical education, and site enhancements. Please visit the Quick Links section for more information.

Transportation and Commuting from Belvedere

Belvedere is located just 14.5 miles from Lombard Street in San Francisco and estimated drive time is 25 minutes without commute traffic. Alternatively, Belvedere has the Golden Gate Transit commuter buses for service to San Francisco. The Blue and Gold Fleet's ferry ride is approximately 35 minutes.

Activities and Things To Do in Belvedere

Belvedere is a beautiful place to live. With the San Fransico Bay at your door one can wander the pathways of Belvedere enjoying the magnificent vistas of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Sausalito, and Mount Tamalpais, viewed through ancient redwoods and baywood canyons. You can stroll and bicycle along the sparkling Bay shoreline. Belvedere has marinas, the San Francisco Yacht Club, and many private docks for the boating enthusiast. For those of you wanting great shopping and dining, Belvedere's charming neighbor, Tiburon, is just a short jaunt away.